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My name is Cristina Durigon and I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist working in Pimlico (central London) area.

Throughout our lives, we all experience, at some point, emotional difficulties or life changing events that may prove to be quite challenging, if we are not adequately supported.

Counselling and psychotherapy are talking therapies which are delivered by trained practitioners who are prepared to listen to a person’s emotional and psychological difficulties. Life events such as bereavement, divorce, redundancy, health issues, trauma etc. may trigger personal crisis, and, whilst talking to a friend and family may be helpful, sometimes, it is not enough. A psychotherapist will provide a confidential, safe and non-judgmental environment where these themes can be explored, fresh perspectives can be considered and underlying causes can be identified.

Talking to a psychotherapist may also help you to express your concerns and emotions, and think about different possibilities in your relationships, life or career. However, you do not need to be in crisis to start to see a psychotherapist. Sometimes, an underlying feeling of dissatisfaction, a lack of meaning in life, a search for a more balanced life or spiritual meaning may be a good reason to speak to a professional.﻿﻿

COUNSELLING OR PSYCHOTHERAPY?

Counselling and psychotherapy are very similar disciplines, especially in regards to how they are delivered. Both require meetings between a client and a trained professional where aspects of an individual's life will be explored and new alternatives and perspectives may be found. On a practical level, however, psychotherapists tend to take longer formal academic training and are required to complete more clinical hours before they qualify. Additional professional experience is also required to qualify as a psychotherapist such as psychiatric placements and, in some cases, the development of a piece of academic research.